By Mewati Sitaram
Fairmont Udaipur Palace has appointed Amitesh Virdi as its new Director of Culinary, bringing over 24 years of experience with some of India’s most prestigious hospitality brands. Known for his global exposure, deep-rooted culinary knowledge, and passion for culturally immersive dining, Amitesh is set to elevate the property’s gastronomic offerings to new heights.
Amitesh’s journey in hospitality began with an early fascination for food, which led him to pursue professional training under the Indian Tourism Ministry. Over the years, he honed his expertise across Indian, European, Italian, and Sichuan cuisines through acclaimed roles at Grand Hyatt Delhi and Mumbai, JW Marriott Juhu, Sahar, Mussoorie and Pune, Le Méridien Delhi, and the award-winning Punjab Grill, where he served as Executive Chef.
At Fairmont Udaipur Palace, Amitesh is leading a visionary culinary program that marries Rajasthan’s royal heritage with international culinary artistry. His approach celebrates traditional recipes and regional ingredients while incorporating modern techniques, innovative presentation, and sustainability-forward practices. Under his guidance, the property’s diverse dining concepts are being curated with immersive storytelling, sensory experiences, and consistent quality.
From the live cooking theatres of ‘Bahaar – The Gastronomical Garden’ to the narrative-driven tea lounge ‘Dastaan’, and from the Mediterranean-Italian inspired ‘The Alchemist’ to the high-energy lounge bar ‘Celeste’ and leopard-themed ‘Dahaad’, each venue reflects Amitesh’s ability to balance regional authenticity with international sophistication. His menus emphasize local sourcing, farm-to-table freshness, and wellness-forward dining, featuring indigenous grains, native dairy, and traditional spices. Classics like laal maas, pitod ki sabzi, rabodi ki sabzi, khus khus ki sabzi, and khatti raab are reimagined with finesse and plated elegantly.
In the luxury wedding and events space, Amitesh is redefining experiential dining with personal, narratively rich menus, including signature offerings such as the 56-dish Royal Thaal, live regional stations, and storytelling-infused desserts. His philosophy centers on creating food that evokes emotion, making every dining experience memorable. Under his leadership, Fairmont Udaipur Palace is not merely serving meals—it is crafting unforgettable culinary journeys, establishing Amitesh Virdi as a transformative force in luxury hospitality.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
